Chess-Tech-News & FIDE going online?

How are you today? The coronavirus death toll (official) passed 200,000 this weekend. Almost 3 million infected. But because of limited testing capacity and political shenanigans, the REAL numbers probably are much higher.

And that is without even considering Africa and India, where — since modern health care does not even exist — an apocalyptic disaster of biblical dimensions is about to unfold.

Nobody really believes the government’s figures. Politicians manipulate the facts to make themselves look better or to provide deniabilty.

Taking a quick look at how Trump, Putin, Johnson and Macron are measuring up in this crisis, I would say that nobody in their right mind will ever trust the government again.

A new Chess News website!

Congratulations to chess organizer, educator and journalist Stefan Loeffler for starting a brand new website dedicated to chess news and technology!

The site is called ChessTech and from what I have seen I am very impressed! The official website is HERE, and there is also a TWITTER.

The most important thing about this new website is that it is independent. Up to today, in the online chess universe, if you go by what FIDE.com, ChessBase, Chess.com, Chess24.com or any of a dozen other popular sites regurgitate as ‘news’ then you will know NOTHING about what is really happening in the chess world!

For example, FIDE will report on what it is planning to do only AFTER it has already happened! Dvorkovich has muzzled its officials with non-disclosure contracts. No journalists are allowed to attend any of its meetings, etc, etc, etc.

So please, help yourself to become better informed and visit Stefan’s site to find out what is happening in the chess world. I congratulate Stefan on his initiative and hope he is able to create something really valuable for the chess community!

FIDE online: where is the drug testing?

Recently the FIDE president, Arkady Dvorkovich, decided that FIDE had to expand its ONLINE operations because of the coronavirus. A number of official FIDE online tournaments are now scheduled, including a ‘Nations Cup‘ about to be held in early May.

But I don’t think that Dvorkovich has thought things thru. FIDE, as a member of the IOC, can only organize official events if it provides drug-testing capacity for said events.

Of course, with the coronavirus, drug testing capacity is uncharted territory. Especially with social distancing. HOWEVER, it is obligatory for any member of the IOC.

I recommend the reader to take a look below at the real challenges facing anti-doping efforts in the midst of the coronavirus crisis and especially how the USA is trying to do ‘virtual’ drug testing of athletes while the coronavirus does not allow for ‘in person’ drug testing.

For members of the IOC, drug testing at official events is the LAW. Infact, year round testing is the way virtually every sport functions.

Of course, the coronavirus pandemic was not anticipated by anyone, and so the IOC recognizes that it has to navigate an entirely new situation. For the moment, the problem is not yet serious as NO sporting events are planned.

However, if FIDE wants to organize official events online, then it must do drug testing. Or cancel the events. FIDE (or Dvorkovich) can not just ignore its obligations.

FIDE is not about recreational chess like Chess24 or ChessCom. FIDE is supposed to be the adult in the room, with real responsibilities and obligations.